Tributes paid to Northampton Rotary Club member killed by tractor on food bank charity walk

Paul Simpson was on a solo fundraising walk in Herefordshire to raise money for Northampton food banks at the time of his death
By Carly Roberts
Published 16th Sep 2020, 12:26 BST
Updated 16th Sep 2020, 12:34 BST
Paul pictured at the start of the Offa's Dyke trail last week.Paul pictured at the start of the Offa's Dyke trail last week.
Paul pictured at the start of the Offa's Dyke trail last week.

Northampton Becket Rotary Club members are mourning the loss of their friend after he was fatally struck by a tractor on a 185 mile charity one-man hike near Lyonshall.

Rotarian Paul Simpson, 66, was taking part in a solo sponsored walk on the 180-mile Offa’s Dyke path when he was killed on day four of his 14 day walk from Chepstow to Prestatyn.

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Paul had decided that the challenge would be another way to raise extra cash to support Northampton's food banks - after he selflessly went out of his way to deliver food to them during the lockdown.

Paul (pictured right) with Robert Kingham (left) and Alan Bunn (back) outside Tesco Mereway where they fundraise annually with their sleigh.Paul (pictured right) with Robert Kingham (left) and Alan Bunn (back) outside Tesco Mereway where they fundraise annually with their sleigh.
Paul (pictured right) with Robert Kingham (left) and Alan Bunn (back) outside Tesco Mereway where they fundraise annually with their sleigh.

Paul was the former president of Rotary Becket between 2018 and 2019 and was well known for helping to organise major fundraising events for the town, including the annual Dragon Boat Race, which he chaired for six years, and Santa Fun Run in Northampton.

Stan Evans from Rotary Northampton said: "He was a great guy who did a tremendous amount of charity work and will be sorely missed. He was the chairman of the Dragon Boat Race which raised a staggering amount of money over the years, we are talking tens of thousands."

But Paul didn't stop after the Dragon Boat race finished. He also joined forces with a Chronicle & Echo campaign to feed 100 people with a free Christmas dinner at the Northampton Hope Centre.

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Fundraising manager at the Hope Centre, Louise Danielczuk, added: “Paul was an incredible support to Hope and a support to many charities across Northampton both through his work with Rotary and his own personal desire to help those less fortunate.

Paul pictured with the Rotary Club in Kingswell Street at the Lowdown charity where the young adult counselling service had a refurbishment thanks to the club's donations.Paul pictured with the Rotary Club in Kingswell Street at the Lowdown charity where the young adult counselling service had a refurbishment thanks to the club's donations.
Paul pictured with the Rotary Club in Kingswell Street at the Lowdown charity where the young adult counselling service had a refurbishment thanks to the club's donations.

"His passion and enthusiasm was infectious and his drive to help others has inspired many. Hope would like to send our sincere condolences to his family and all who knew him. He will be dearly missed.”

Robert Martell from Rotary Becket added: "We have lost a valued and highly regarded member in tragic circumstances while supporting the work of Rotary.

"During the pandemic Paul had been delivering to local food banks, including the Hope Centre, Weston Favell, Castle Hill and Re-Store, which the club has provided over £6,000 so-far for this purpose.

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"Paul, a dedicated walker, had decided that the Offa’s Dyke challenge would be another way to raise further funds to support the food banks in the community.

The Northampton Santa Run & Walk was held by Paul, in aid of the Rotary Club Northampton, Cynthia Spencer Hospice, Northampton General Hospitals Charity, & The Lewis Foundation. Pictures by Kirsty Edmonds.The Northampton Santa Run & Walk was held by Paul, in aid of the Rotary Club Northampton, Cynthia Spencer Hospice, Northampton General Hospitals Charity, & The Lewis Foundation. Pictures by Kirsty Edmonds.
The Northampton Santa Run & Walk was held by Paul, in aid of the Rotary Club Northampton, Cynthia Spencer Hospice, Northampton General Hospitals Charity, & The Lewis Foundation. Pictures by Kirsty Edmonds.

"Sadly he did not make it, but Paul died as he had lived doing something to help his community and friends who will sorely miss him.

"Paul leaves his wife Jane and the families of his two children. The club plans to arrange a memorial event in the near future."

Related topics:NorthamptonNorthampton Hope Centre

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